Singapore University of Social Sciences

Behavioural Economics: Everyday Decisions

Behavioural Economics: Everyday Decisions (HBC211)

Applications Open: 01 May 2024

Applications Close: 15 June 2024

Next Available Intake: July 2024

Course Types: Modular Undergraduate Course

Language: English

Duration: 6 months

Fees: $1391.78 View More Details on Fees

Area of Interest: Humanities and Social Sciences

Schemes: Alumni Continuing Education (ACE)

Funding: To be confirmed

School/Department: School of Humanities & Behavioural Sciences


Synopsis

Healthier choice snacks, e.g., dried fruits, are placed at eye level on supermarket shelves, but sweets and other high-calorie snacks are always located at lower shelves and away from eye-level. While this may seem like an inconvenience to the shopper, it is in fact a “nudge” or a way to change one’s behaviour to select healthier snacks. Such ubiquitous actions can be found in many instances in our daily lives. This course introduces students to the workings of behavioural economics and how it has been used to shape the way we live, work and play.

Level: 2
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every January
E-Learning: BLENDED - Learning is done ENTIRELY online using interactive study materials in Canvas. Students receive guidance and support from online instructors via discussion forums and emails. There are no face-to-face sessions. If the course has an exam component, this will be administered on-campus.

Topics

  • Introduction to Behavioural Economics
  • Key Philosophical Foundations of Behavioural Economics
  • Thinking, Feeling, & Constraints
  • Choice Architecture
  • Risk Behaviour & Choices Under Pressure
  • Happiness in Experience, Memory, & Choice
  • The Pursuit of Happiness
  • Intertemporal Choice
  • Confidence, Competition, & Competence
  • Fairness: Surge Pricing
  • Ambivalence
  • Manipulation: Nudge & Sludge

Learning Outcome

  • Describe the foundations of behavioural economics.
  • Discuss the bases of behavioural economics in the everyday choices we make.
  • Examine the push and pull factors at play when we make decisions.
  • Analyse issues pertaining to behavioural manipulation.
  • Apply relevant concepts and theories to explain how behavioural economics impacts us in a “connected” society.
  • Show, with everyday examples, how behavioural economics can have a positive impact on society.
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